As we wind down the offseason, the NFL is entering a brief pause, with most teams wrapping up their mini-camps and marking time until training camps kick off later next month. This offseason has spurred a mix of excitement and anxiety for fans, driving home just how much we invest in our teams year-round. But before we throw ourselves into a whirlpool of speculation, let’s take a step back and focus on a few key storylines we shouldn’t overreact to—at least not yet. Of course, in such a dynamic league, there are always storylines that merit more scrutiny.
Don’t Overreact To…
1) The Quarterback Competition in Cleveland:
Right now, the discussion around the Browns’ QB battle is all the buzz, but hold off on the panic buttons. This back-and-forth among Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders isn’t where the real drama will unfold; that’ll be saved for training camp and preseason games. The rookies—Gabriel and Sanders—are intriguing, but it’s wise to take their performances with a hefty grain of salt. With two first-round picks in next year’s draft already in their pocket, the Browns have a safety net. If one of the emerging QBs shows promise and can help the team win games, they’ll celebrate a successful transition. If not, they can readily pivot to a new era at quarterback sooner rather than later.
2) Travis Hunter’s Practice Time:
Keeping an eye on Travis Hunter is tempting, especially as a two-way player, but let’s exercise patience. While the Jaguars initially lined him up at wide receiver, he’s also shown his chops at cornerback in spring workouts. The coaching staff’s goal is to craft a role that maximizes his unique skill set. Hunter himself is eager to prove his ability to handle the demanding dual position. Remember, the Jaguars invested significant assets to bring him on board, which suggests they envision a multifaceted career for him. Expect his role to evolve regularly as he continues to find his footing in the league.
3) Stefon Diggs’ Offseason Activities:
Admittingly, the viral video of Stefon Diggs enjoying some time on a boat raised eyebrows, especially given Coach Mike Vrabel’s call for players to “make great decisions.” However, let’s focus on what truly matters: Diggs’ return from an ACL tear and his involvement with the Patriots during OTAs. After the incident, he seamlessly reintegrated with the team during minicamp, proving that he’s committed to contributing. The Patriots are banking on him to bring back some much-needed firepower to an offense that has often lacked dynamic playmakers over recent years. Diggs being a reliable target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye could be key as he leads a less experienced group of receivers.
4) C.J. Stroud’s Partial Participation:
While reports of Stroud’s right shoulder “general soreness” warrant attention, it’s too soon to hit the panic button. Stroud, who had to sit out throwing during OTAs, threw without issue during minicamp and indicated he feels fine, attributing the soreness to a rigorous offseason training. It’s encouraging to see him throwing again, especially considering last season’s challenges with an overmatched offensive line and a depleted receiving corps. For now, as GM Nick Caserio put it, it’s “much ado about nothing.” Should any restrictions happen when training camp rolls around, that might change quickly.
5) Aaron Rodgers’ “Late” Arrival:
The veteran quarterback’s signing with Pittsburgh hints at a strategic entry, especially contrasted with last year when he missed mandatory minicamp due to an unexcused absence. This year, being present in the offseason allows Rodgers to bond with the team and dig into the offensive playbook ahead of camp. Given his experience and leadership, this is a solid step forward as he continues to recover from last season’s Achilles injury. The more time he can spend assimilating with fellow teammates like Cameron Heyward, the better positioned the Steelers will be for a robust season.
Pay More Attention To…
Anthony Richardson Missing Minicamp:
This situation deserves our focus. Richardson’s time on the field has been sporadic since joining the Colts, and his absence from minicamp raises valid concerns. Injuries have sidelined him for a significant portion of his brief career, with a sprained AC joint leading to a season-ending surgery and other challenges limiting his outings. Coach Shane Steichen’s caution on Richardson’s readiness for training camp underscores the importance of his development. For someone who needs all the reps he can get, this setback gives Daniel Jones an edge in a QB competition that was already favoring the veteran. Richardson’s durability issues are a crucial storyline that could impact his long-term future.
Pass Rusher Contracts:
The actions of Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt in skipping minicamp because of contract negotiations are critical discussions. Both players are linchpins for their respective teams’ playoff aspirations, and Hendrickson has expressed dissatisfaction with his current scenario. Given the high stakes, the sooner these critical players secure their futures through contracts, the better for franchise aspirations. Meanwhile, Micah Parsons reported but faces parallel circumstances to his counterparts as summer negotiations loom. With history showing a tendency for negotiations to stretch into late summer, keep an eye on how these scenarios unfold.
As we plow ahead through this offseason, there’s a fine balance between staying alert and knowing when to temper our reactions. This is the fabric of the NFL, where every detail can play a significant role come fall.
